INCLUSIVE CLIMATE ACTION: ADDRESSING AGRICULTURAL CHALLENGES FOR LOW AND HIGH-INCOME FARMERS

The world has witnessed a massive shift in climate change since the last century. These climate changes are severely impacting the global agricultural economy to a great extent because agriculture is primarily reliant on climate. Repercussions of climate change in agriculture are felt to varying degrees among the rich and poor. Large-scale diversified farmers can adapt to changed climatic circumstances by employing the latest agricultural developments, which is not the case for others. There is a wide income disparity among farmers, especially in the case of India, which necessitated an income-wise comparative study between farmers regarding the implications of climate changes on agriculture.Farmers from lower-income, middle-income and higher-income strata were selected proportionately for conducting the study. The study shows that environmental problems influence agricultural production. Floods, drought, soil erosion, land degradation, crop failure, and increased farming costsaffect them. The intensity of ecological challenges is severe among low-income farmers, found comparatively less among higher-income categories. The differences between various income groups regarding environmental and production challenges are highly significant. The study suggests adopting a comprehensive approach from society to mitigate climate issues and bridge the gap between various income categories.